Westinghouse LTV-37W2

Reviewed by: ehc008

Duration of ownership:

Strengths: Good picture quality on HD channels & DVD player; Built-in NTSC/ATSC/QAM Tuner; Side connectors make AV connections easy to access (even when hung on wall); VGA input; Excellent value

Weaknesses: Only 2 aspect ratio adjustments (Standard, Fill); Only 1 HDMI input; Remote is not universal; Contrast ratio is not as good as more expensive models; A bit slow in changing channels

Overall Evaluation: Since I already had a plasma TV in the living room, I purchased this TV for the purpose of using it as a secondary TV for the master bedroom, so I wasn't expecting too much from it. When I finally got the TV set up, I was pleasantly surprised by its picture quality in HD (SD quality is good too for an LCD). The color, brightness, resolution, viewing angle, and response time are all good for a budget LCD. Contrast ratio is not as good as the more expensive models, but it's good enough for what it is. Another strength of this TV is its on-screen display menu. It's easy to navigate through and actually looks very nice. This is a perfect TV to wall mount. Since the AV connectors are on the side of the TV as opposed to the rear, it makes access very easy. I have never had any problems reaching any of the connectors on the side. I can't say the same for TVs that use connectors on the rear. One of my biggest disappointments in this set is the lack of aspect ratio adjustments. For example, my plasma TV in the living room has 5 aspect ratio adjustments, whereas the Westinghouse only has 2 - STANDARD (4:3 for SD & 16:9 for HD) or FILL (4:3 SD is stretched proportionately, and 16:9 HD material is over-scanned). Another disappointment is the non-universal remote, which means I can't program my DVD player. I have to admit though, the remote is intuitive and easy to use - button placement is actually very good. Lastly, there is only 1 HDMI input - not really a huge concern for me since this is my secondary TV, but it may be a concern for others who use it as their primary TV. The TV is not perfect and is by no means a world beater. It definitely has its flaws, especially when compared to more expensive models such as Sony, Sharp, etc. But then again, those models cost much, much more than the Westinghouse. So if you're on a budget, and you're looking for a 37" LCD HDTV with good picture quality, I would recommend the Westinghouse LTV-37W2. Overall, I am satisfied with the TV and would purchase it again. It works wonderfully as a secondary TV, and it looks fantastic on my wall.